Scene 5 Summary

The Dauphin has been crowned in the cathedral at Rheims, due to Joan's intervention and military success. As Joan and Dunois contemplate the future in the vestibule of the cathedral, Joan's passion for war for the sake of France rises in favor of returning home to a pastoral life of boredom. Continuing the war is her suggestion now to the new king and his advisors. Even though the men are Joan's staunch supporters, they feel that they must warn her of the dangers of continuing. Surely Joan must have had enough battle especially in light of all that the French have accomplished with her help. The men also relate the story of a young woman who was burned at the stake at the University of Paris simply for standing up for Joan's cause. The young warrior is not to be swayed and persists in her single minded...